Ark. St. DL Markel Owens one of two shot, killed Wed. night

Posted by John Taylor on January 16, 2014, 12:56 PM EST

Sadly, a reminder of man’s mortality has surfaced yet again at the collegiate level.

Arkansas State officials have confirmed to the Associated Press that Red Wolves defensive lineman Markel Owens died Wednesday night. The Jackson (Tenn.) Sun reported that Owens was one of two men shot and killed at their residence at around 9:30 local time. A third, unnamed victim, a woman, was injured in the shooting.

A neighbor told the Sun that “the house where the shooting happened was occupied by a man, his wife and college-age son.” The identities of the other two victims and their relation to the 21-year-old Owens have not been released.

No arrests have been made in what some are calling a home invasion.

ASU football posted the following on its Twitter account this morning:

Today is a tough day for the Red Wolves family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Markel Owens' family and friends at this difficult time.

“Our worst fears were realized as an athletics department after being notified early this morning about the unfortunate news about Markel,” said athletic director Terry Mohajir. “We’re deeply sadden and our utmost sympathies go out to his family, teammates and classmates. Please join me in prayer for so many people who are being impacted by the loss of Markel.”

“Markel was a part of our Red Wolves family, and it is obvious he was a well-liked and respected member of our team who will be missed,” said head football coach Blake Anderson. “We are doing everything possible to comfort his teammates, and we extend our compassion to his family during this difficult time.”